Does HPA issue certificates?

At first glance, it might seem convenient to have one company help you build your system and certify it. But that actually creates a big conflict of interest. Here's why separating the two is essential:

1. Impartiality and credibility

Certification bodies must be independent. If the same company that helped you design your ISO system also audits and certifies it, they’re basically marking their own homework. That’s a big no-no under international accreditation rules (like ISO/IEC 17021).

Accreditation bodies (like UKAS) don’t allow certification bodies to offer consultancy because it undermines the objectivity of the certification.

2. Better-quality systems tailored to you

A HPA works closely with your business to:

• Understand your unique processes
• Design a management system that actually fits how you work
• Add value beyond just “passing the audit”

HPA  will help build a system that improves performance, efficiency, and risk management—not just one that looks good on paper.

If a certification body is also consulting, their goal might shift to just getting you over the line, rather than helping you build something that’s genuinely useful.

3. Stronger long-term value

When the two roles are separate:

• HPA focuses on building a great system that works for you
• The certification body focuses on verifying that it meets the standard, fairly and independently

This creates better long-term results:

• Real improvements in your processes
• More credibility with clients and partners
• Fewer surprises in future audits
• Higher chance of retaining certification with fewer issues

4. It’s best practice (and often required)

In many industries, and especially with accredited certification, it’s actually a requirement to separate consultancy and certification. If a certifier is found doing both, their accreditation can be suspended or withdrawn.

Separating consultancy and certification keeps things honest, professional, and high-quality. It gives you a system that adds real value—not just a tick in a box. Think of it like hiring a great architect to design your house and then a separate inspector to check it’s up to code.